Our pets are members of our families, but sometimes pets unknowingly invite an unwelcome guest to take up residence in our carpets, couches, and corners. Fleas are one of the most annoying insect infestations that can occur in a home. Here's how to get rid of fleas and keep them from coming back.

Rid Pets of Fleas First

Treat the cause of the fleas first; usually, an infestation occurs because of a pet. Treat your pets for fleas, including a prevention flea collar or medicine before you go to all the work of ridding your home of fleas.

Vacuum

Vacuuming will kill the major percentage of adult fleas, young fleas, and eggs. Move furniture, and vacuum thoroughly. Don't forget to use your vacuum cleaner attachment to vacuum edges of the room and hard to reach corners. Remove the bag or dump the bin and throw out the trash when you're finished.

Wash Linens

Use the warmest water that can be tolerated for the clothing, washing any pillows, bedding, or other fabrics that may have been exposed to fleas. You can use a normal liquid laundry detergent and dry thoroughly.

Vacuum Again

A repeat vacuuming of the carpet, floor, and any other areas will help get rid of any remaining fleas. Be sure to continue vacuuming thoroughly over the coming days. Be aware that this will take some daily effort for the foreseeable future to remedy.

Home Remedies

Borax has been known to be an effective home remedy; when sprinkled over the affected area and then vacuumed away, it can help to bring a speedy death to fleas. Beware; pets or children who ingest Borax will become ill.

A homemade flea trap can be made by filling a small bowl with water and a few drops of dish soap. Place the bowl on the floor near a nightlight. With other lights around off, fleas will jump towards the light landing in the bowl and drowning.

You can also consider making a homemade flea repellent for your pet that you can use to prevent the problem from happening again.

Consider Hiring Pest Control Help

If your infestation is severe, you may need the help of a professional product or pest control service. Be sure to use caution and follow meticulous directions if this type of intervention is needed. Take care to protect your pets and family by thoroughly reading instructions and following them diligently.